So, you are ready to get your CSCS card, if your are ready to book your CSCS test, you will need to have finished all your studying, revised all the material and taken plenty of practice exams.
If you want to gain your CSCS card or even renew an existing one, you must pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test.
The good news is that your results for the CITB test will remain valid for up to 2 years after you have taken and passed the exam.
If you are ready to book a CSCS test, read below to find out how.
The one piece of advice I will give you is make sure you book your CSCS test thought CSCS's official website here https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/health-safety-and-environment-hse-test-and-cards/book-a-test/
There are a lot of third-party websites out there that offer a CSCS booking system, but these will cost you much much more than booking directly using the above website.
You have a couple of choices when it comes to booking your CITB Health, Safety and environment test, you can either book online or over the phone. You must remember that is doesn't matter which option you choose, you will have to pay for the test at the time of booking, you will also need to provide:
Please make sure you have your payment card to had when booking, this can either be a debit card or a credit card.
Once your test is scheduled, make sure you save the date in your calendar, so you know exactly what day and time you'll be sitting your CITB test, and also remember to bring your original booking confirmation letter and signed proof of identity with you (such as a driving license or passport). You should also print out your test results once they're ready, just in case you lose them. You will need these when you apply to get your CSCS card.
To book a CSCS test online you will need to, Register on the Pearson VUE CITB booking site and then log onto the CITB booking site to make your booking.
If you would like to book a CSCS test over the phone Call 0344 994 4488. Lines are open from 8am to 8pm Mondays to Fridays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. The offices are close on Sundays.
The Welsh booking number is 0344 994 4490
For 3 candidates or less, tests need to be booked individually online (External link - Opens in a new tab or window) or by calling 0344 994 4488.
If you are making a group bookings for 4 or more people, this can be made online using our Navigator Group Booking System.
To get started, you need to request a group booking account by completing this form. If you already have an account, book online here (External link - Opens in a new tab or window).
For password resets or to request changes to your account, please email [email protected] (account set up and reset links are valid for 7 days)
The Navigator Group Booking System allows you to book tests for multiple candidates at a time by:
For candidates needing special assistance, you can book a voiceover and a British Sign Language (BSL) video through the system. For other types of special assistance, please email [email protected] or call 0344 994 4491 to request this.
Please make sure you have read and understood the booking terms and conditions (PDF, 477KB) before you make a booking.
The cost of taking the HS&E test is £22.50 as of September 2023.
The mobile testing service involves setting up a temporary test centre in a location or work site. This can be anywhere in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The cost of taking the HS&E test using the mobile testing service is from £31.50 per candidate.
This service can be more beneficial for you and your workforce as:
If you have ongoing testing needs, you can request a semi-permanent test centre (a portable cabin) to be set up on-site.
Candidate(s) who will be taking the test will receive a confirmation email/letter confirming their test slot. If you have asked your candidate(s) be reminded of their test slot, they will receive an email or text message 24 hours before the date.
If you need to change who will be taking the test, you must do this at least 6 working days before the test date. We cannot make any changes to the list after this period.
Please email [email protected] or phone 0344 994 4492 if you need additional help with mobile testing bookings.
The test itself is a 50 question multiple choice exam, it lasts for a total of 45 minutes and it is based around these core subjects:
Here is a breakdown for each topic in these core subjects:
Accident reporting and recording: when, how and why accidents need to be reported and recorded.
First aid and emergency procedures: what you should do in case of an emergency, and what your employer must make available.
General responsibilities: what you and your employer need to do to ensure everyone is working safely on site.
Environmental awareness and waste control: your responsibilities on-site, how waste should be managed and how to conserve energy.
Personal protective equipment: why personal protective equipment (PPE) is important, why you should wear it and who is responsible for it.
Health and welfare: common health issues on site and how to avoid them. Providing welfare facilities and support on-site.
Dust and fumes (respiratory hazards): how to work safely, protecting yourself and those around you from exposure to respiratory hazards. What health conditions may arise from exposure to dust and fumes.
Noise and vibration: why it is important to minimise exposure to noise and vibration in the workplace. How you should protect yourself and those around you.
Manual handling: why and how it is important to handle all loads using a safe system of work. What key areas you’ll need to be aware of when handling loads.
Electrical safety, tools and equipment:how to work with different types of tools safely, and what you should do if the tools you are using have not been examined or are faulty.
Fire prevention and control: what you should do if you discover a fire, and which fire extinguishers should be used on what type of fire.
Safety signs:what type of safety signs you will see on a construction site, and what they are informing you of.
Working at height: what types of equipment you will use working at height, and how to use them correctly.
Excavations and confined spaces: why it is important, and how to work safely in a confined space or excavation, and what you should do if exposed to certain hazards.
Hazardous substances: how you can identify a hazardous substance, and what control measures should be in place to enable you to work safely.
Site transport safety and lifting operations: how site vehicles and pedestrians should work together on site.
If you are preparing for a specialist CSCS test you will also be asked questions on your specialist activity. There are currently 12 specialist CSCS tests available including:
The simple answer is yes, anyone that wants a CSCS card, whether a card for the first time or renewing an existing card will need to take the test.
There are 3 different levels of CSCS card tests you can take, it all depends on which type of card you are applying for.
CSCS test for Operatives
This covers the main core subjects.
CSCS test for Specialists
The 5 main core subjects plus one of these specific areas:
Supervisory
Demolition
Ductwork
Highway Works
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (Heating and Plumbing Services
Lifts and Escalators
Plumbing (JIB)
Pipefitting and Welding
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Tunnelling
Services and Facilities Maintenance)
Specialist Working at Height
CSCS test for Managers and Professionals
